The oil and gas industry is a key driver of the global economy. In fact, it’s one of the largest industries in the world. However, it is no secret that the operations come with inherent risks with a fatality rate 7x higher than any other industry in the world. Safety related issues are one of the top 5 risks in the oil and gas industry. From the potential for explosions to the dangers of working in confined spaces, the industry demands a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also acutely aware of safety protocols.
Traditional training methods often fall short in adequately preparing workers for the realities of these hazardous environments. That’s where Virtual Reality (VR) steps in, offering a powerful solution to train employees in the sector to mitigate risks and create a safer work environment. Virtual Reality is when you interact with a fully immersive digital environment using a VR headset. If you would like to learn how VR content is created, read our blog post explaining VR content authoring tools and its benefits.
There are a whole host of safety use cases in the oil and gas industry that users can train for in VR such as welding, working at heights, working in confined spaces, fire safety, machinery operation and PPE safety to name a few. VR training reduces accidents by up to 45% allowing employees in the oil and gas industry to be well-versed and confident in performing day-to-day operations with reduced risk and error.
At Luminous XR, we’re committed to transforming safety in the oil and gas sector through our cutting-edge VR training solutions. Let’s explore the top risks in the oil and gas industry and how VR is playing a crucial role in preventing them.
1. Explosions and Fires
The Risk: Oil and gas facilities handle highly flammable materials, making explosions and fires a constant threat. These incidents can result from equipment malfunction, human error, or inadequate safety procedures, leading to devastating consequences.
The VR Solution: VR training allows workers to experience realistic fire and explosion scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. They can practice emergency response procedures, learn how to identify potential hazards, and master the use of safety equipment without any real-world risk. For example, Luminous XR offers a BLEVE Prevention module that allows trainees to perform regular inspections of spherical pressure vessels to identify potential hazards before they lead to a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. Through VR, employees build muscle memory safely and gain expertise and confidence at their own pace.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
The Risk: These incidents might seem minor, but slips, trips, and falls are a likely cause of injuries in the oil and gas industry. Slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, and cluttered work areas all contribute to this risk, especially when workers are working with heavy equipment or working at heights.
The VR Solution: VR can recreate various scenarios that lead to slips, trips, and falls, such as working on elevated platforms, navigating through cluttered environments, or encountering spills. Trainees learn to identify and avoid these hazards, practice proper techniques for maintaining balance and stability, and develop situational awareness to prevent accidents. For example, Luminous XR offers ladder safety training in VR to improve workers’ knowledge of ladder inspection, setup, and working at heights. This immersive learning experience enhances behavioural skills and allows users to receive feedback, reinforcing the body’s dopamine response.
3. Electrical Hazards
The Risk: Working with high-voltage equipment and complex electrical systems is an integral part of the oil and gas industry. However, it also exposes workers to the risk of electric shock, electrocution, and arc flash incidents.
The VR Solution: VR training provides a safe and effective way to educate workers about electrical hazards and safe work practices. Trainees can learn how to identify potential electrical dangers, practice lockout/tagout procedures, and master the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a virtual environment. They can also experience the consequences of unsafe actions without any real-world risk.
4. Confined Spaces
The Risk: Entering and working in confined spaces, such as tanks, vessels, and pipelines, poses significant risks to oil and gas workers. These spaces often have limited ventilation, hazardous atmospheres, and the potential for engulfment or entrapment.
The VR Solution: VR training allows workers to experience the challenges of working in confined spaces without the actual risks. They can practice entry procedures, learn how to monitor air quality, and master the use of safety equipment such as respirators and harnesses. By replicating remote locations and extreme environments virtually, workers can physically and practically prepare for any situation through a VR headset.
5. Oil & Gas Leaks
The Risk: Leaks of oil and gas can lead to a variety of dangerous situations that can risk employee safety, such as explosions and/or fires. Valves are essential for controlling the flow of liquids, gases, and other fluids and when a valve operates abnormally it can cause a range of serious safety, operational, and environmental issues.
The VR Solution: Training workers on how to correctly identify and repair leaks is paramount to reducing risk and creating a safer work environment. With VR, workers can practice real-world scenarios and learn the correct procedures to follow in the event of a leak.
VR training solutions tailored to oil and gas and energy allow employees to familiarise themselves with specific situations relating to their job roles and take that training into the real world. Enabling employees to practise how to identify faulty valve conditions and the corrective actions they can take in a virtual environment, along with showcasing the damage that may occur when a task is carried out incorrectly. This helps trainees accurately identify faults and take corrective action to prevent a range of issues, including leaks, spills, or uncontrolled pressure/flow.
